Question 1

How do I bid on JDirectItems Auction?

Accepted Answer

You can place a bid on JDirectItems Auction by following these steps:

1. Search for the item you want to bid on:
https://auction.j-subculture.com/

2. Make a deposit that covers the amount you wish to bid.
Log in to your account and add your deposit here:
http://www.j-subculture.com/deposits/choose

3. Enter your bid amount on the auction page and click the "Bid" button.

Please note:
You must have a deposit equal to or greater than the amount you wish to bid before placing your bid.

Question 2

Are there items that can't be shipped internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The following items cannot be shipped internationally:

- Flammable items (e.g., lighters, spray cans, perfumes, nail polish)
- Plants and animals
- Meat products
- Items prohibited for export by the Japanese government
- Currency or money
- Air guns
- Items restricted under the CITES agreement

Additional notes:

- These items can only be shipped to addresses within Japan.
- We are unable to cancel or refund an order or bid once it has been placed.
- Items prohibited from international shipping are not covered by our Insurance Plan.
- Some items may be allowed for export from Japan but could be confiscated by your country's customs. Please check with your local Customs Office for import restrictions.

Question 3

What’s the difference between a real-time bid and a snipe bid?

Accepted Answer

Here's how real-time bids and snipe bids differ:

Real-time bids:
- Your bid is placed immediately on the auction once submitted through our system.
- You cannot cancel a real-time bid once it has been placed.

Snipe bids:
- Your bid is automatically placed 2–5 minutes before the scheduled auction end time.
- You can cancel or adjust your bid (raise or lower it) before the actual bid is submitted.

Please note:
In some cases, your snipe bid may not be placed:
1. Another bidder has already placed a higher bid than your maximum.
2. The seller ends the auction earlier than scheduled.

Question 4

How can I raise my bid price?

Accepted Answer

To raise your bid, log in to your account and go to the auction page. From there, you can update your bid to a higher amount before the auction ends.

Question 5

Can I cancel the auction I’ve won?

Accepted Answer

No. Once you have placed a bid and won the auction, cancellation is not possible under any circumstances. Please make sure you are committed before placing your bid.

Question 6

Why is my auction pending?

Accepted Answer

Your auction may be pending for the following reasons:

1. The auction is listed in a restricted category.
Categories such as Cars & Motorcycles and other regulated types of items may cause your bid to be temporarily held for review.
If your auction goes pending, please contact us through your message board to check whether it can be approved.

2. The auction price exceeds 50,000 JPY.
General Users have a bidding limit of 50,000 JPY. To place bids on higher-priced auctions, you must upgrade to a Business User account.

You can learn more about the benefits of becoming a Business User here:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/business_user

To request an upgrade, please contact us via your message board.

Question 7

Why did I lose the auction I bid on?

Accepted Answer

You may have lost the auction on JDirectItems Auction for one of the following reasons:

1. The seller canceled the auction and blacklisted our account after your bid. Some sellers do not wish to deal with proxy services like ours. Although we do not reveal that we are a proxy service, certain sellers may suspect it and block us.

2. The seller ended the auction earlier than scheduled, so our snipe bid could not be placed.

3. The seller canceled our bid for their own reasons. Some sellers occasionally remove bids without notice, even if no rules were broken.

4. JDirectItems Auction may have changed its system, which prevented our system from placing your bid properly.

If you would like to know the specific reason, please contact us through your message board.

Question 8

Can I ask questions for an auction I wish to bid for?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have any questions about an auction, please send your inquiry through your message board. We will contact the seller on your behalf and reply once we receive a response. Please allow at least 24 hours for us to complete the communication process.

Question 9

Can I ask the seller to combine items if I won multiple auctions from them?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can request the seller to combine items. However, if the items were not won on the same day, a bank transfer fee will be charged.

Please note:
"The same day" refers to the 24-hour period from 9:00 a.m. to 8:59 a.m. the next day (Japan time).

Question 10

Can I bid for non-physical items (such as accounts or codes)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can bid on non-physical items such as digital accounts or codes. However, a special handling fee applies: 500 JPY + 10% of the item's winning price.

For details, please refer to the "Digital Item Handling Fee" section on our cost page:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/cost

Question 11

Why is my item price higher than it's listed in the auction?

Accepted Answer

If the seller is a professional (store) seller on JDirectItems Auction, a 10% consumption tax is added to the final price. This is standard in Japan and automatically applied by the seller.

Question 12

What’s the fee breakdown for the proxy auction service?

Accepted Answer

Here's a breakdown of the main fees for using our proxy auction service:

Item price: The winning bid amount.  
Protection Plan Fee: 100, 250, or 600 JPY per item (based on your choice).  
Handling Fee: 250 JPY per transaction.  
Domestic delivery fee: Shipping cost from the seller to our warehouse.

Please note:  
The international shipping fee will be charged separately once your item arrives at our warehouse.

For more details, please see our cost overview page:  
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/cost_overview

Question 13

Can I ask the seller to give me a discount on auction?

Accepted Answer

No. Unless the auction specifically mentions that discounts or price negotiations are allowed, you cannot request a discount from the seller.

Question 14

Can I have a refund or compensation if the item was a counterfeit?

Accepted Answer

No. We cannot offer refunds or compensation in cases where the item turns out to be counterfeit. This is one of the risks associated with bidding through auction platforms. If you have concerns about authenticity, please contact us before placing a bid so we can inquire with the seller on your behalf.

Question 15

Why can't I see Adult category auctions?

Accepted Answer

Auctions listed in the Adult category are available only to Business Users. To browse or place bids on these items, you must switch your account to Business User status. You can learn more about the benefits of becoming a Business User at the link below:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/business_user

To request the switch, please contact us through your message board.

Question 16

Which shops can J-Subculture purchase from?

Accepted Answer

We can purchase from almost any Japanese online shop, with only a few exceptions.

If you'd like to check whether a specific shop is available, please contact us through your message board.

Question 17

What’s the fee breakdown for the proxy shopping service?

Accepted Answer

Here's a breakdown of the main fees for our proxy shopping service:

Item price: The actual purchase cost of the item.
Protection Plan Fee: 100, 250, or 600 JPY per item (based on your selection).
Handling Fee: 250 JPY per transaction.
Domestic delivery fee: Shipping cost from the seller to our warehouse.

Please note:
The international shipping fee will be charged separately after the item arrives at our warehouse.

For full details, please see our cost overview page:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/cost_overview

Question 18

Can I cancel the order?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the payment status:

No, if you have already paid. Once payment is made, the order cannot be canceled under any circumstances.

Yes, if you have not paid yet. You can reject the order or quotation directly from your account page.

If you need to change the quantity or any other details of your order, please contact us via your message board.

Question 19

Can I buy items from Rakuma (Frill)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. We accept Rakuma orders through our Proxy Shopping service.

You can browse and place orders from the link below:
https://www.j-subculture.com/searches/rakuma

Please note:
If the item goes out of stock after your payment, you will receive a full refund.

Question 20

Can I buy items from Mercari?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. We accept Mercari orders through our Proxy Shopping service.

You can browse and place orders using the link below:
https://www.j-subculture.com/searches/mercari

Please note:
If the item goes out of stock after your payment, you will receive a full refund.

Question 21

Can I have a refund or compensation if my item was a counterfeit?

Accepted Answer

No. We are unable to offer refunds or compensation if the item turns out to be counterfeit. This is one of the risks involved when purchasing through a proxy shopping service.

If you are unsure about the authenticity of an item or the credibility of a seller, please contact us before placing your order, and we will help inquire on your behalf.

Question 22

Can I buy items from JDirectItems Fleamarket?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. We accept orders from JDirectItems Fleamarket through our Proxy Shopping service.

You can browse and place orders using the link below:
https://www.j-subculture.com/searches/fleamarket

Please note:
If the item goes out of stock after your payment, you will receive a full refund.

Question 23

How can I get a refund of my remaining deposit?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us through your message board after logging in:
https://www.j-subculture.com/boards

We can refund the portion of your deposit that is not reserved for ongoing or unpaid auctions.
If there are no unpaid orders or shipments, a full refund will be issued.

Question 24

Can I pay for an order using both deposit and Stripe (credit card)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use both your deposit and Stripe (credit card) to pay for an order.

At the bottom of the payment page, select "Use deposits" and enter the amount you want to use from your deposit without commas.
For example, enter 1000 instead of 1,000.

Then, click the PAY button to proceed. The remaining balance will be charged via Stripe.

Question 25

What payment methods are available?

Accepted Answer

We support a wide range of payment methods, including:
- Credit cards (via Stripe or PayPal)
- PayPal
- Wise
- Payoneer
- International bank transfer
- Cryptocurrency (select options available)

We also offer a deposit system. By preloading funds into your account, you can pay quickly and enjoy better fee rates on orders and shipping.

Question 26

Does my deposit go toward paying for the order automatically?

Accepted Answer

No. Deposits are not applied automatically to your orders.

You need to manually complete the payment for each order from your account page.
If you have a remaining deposit, you can choose to use it during the payment process.

Question 27

Can I pay for an order using both deposit and PayPal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use both your deposit and PayPal to pay for an order.

At the bottom of the payment page, select "Use deposits" and enter the amount you want to use from your deposit without commas.
For example, enter 1000 instead of 1,000.

Then, click the PAY button to proceed. The remaining balance will be charged via PayPal.

Question 28

How can I pay by credit card?

Accepted Answer

You can pay by credit card through either Stripe or PayPal.

Stripe: You can pay directly with your credit card without creating a Stripe account. The process is smooth, and the transaction fee is lower than PayPal.

PayPal: You will need to create a PayPal account and register your credit card before making a payment.
If you don’t have a PayPal account, please open one and add your card information in advance.

Question 29

What is the PayPal transaction fee?

Accepted Answer

When you add a deposit or make a payment for an order or shipment, you can choose to pay via PayPal.

When using PayPal, the following fees apply:
- Transaction fee: 3.9% of the item price + 40 JPY per transaction
- Currency exchange fee: Approximately 4%, charged by PayPal when paying in your local currency
In total, the effective fee can be close to 8%.

If you wish to avoid PayPal-related fees, please refer to this FAQ:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/faq/565CE4DF160647E

Question 30

Is there a way to avoid the PayPal transaction fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can avoid PayPal transaction fees by sending a bank wire transfer to your deposit in advance, and then paying from your existing deposit for orders, shipping, and other fees.

This method is available through our Business User program.
- The minimum deposit amount is 20,000 JPY per transfer.
- Business Users enjoy various benefits such as lower fees and fewer restrictions.

For more details, please see:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/business_user

To become a Business User, please contact us through your message board.

Question 31

How long does it take for my transferred fund by Wise to be added to my deposit?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, funds transferred via Wise will be added to your deposit within 1 to 3 business days, or even sooner.

Question 32

Why hasn't my rank been updated?

Accepted Answer

Your rank is calculated based on your total purchase amount during a specific 12-month period — from the start of the month one year and one month ago, to the end of the month prior to the current one.

For example, if your rank is shown as "Standard" on March 15, 2018, it means your total purchase amount from February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018 was less than 50,000 JPY.

Please note that your rank is not based on the integration of all past purchases - only on purchases within the relevant 12-month period.

For more information, please refer to our rank page:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/rank

Question 33

What’s the difference between a General User and a Business User?

Accepted Answer

When you first register with us, you are a General User. If you switch to a Business User, you will gain more flexibility and fewer restrictions.

Key advantages of a Business User:

- 【Plan A】100 JPY/item option becomes available
- No maximum bid amount
- No restrictions on declaration values
- No restrictions on using Small Packet shipping
- 50% discount on consolidation fees

Important notes:
- Business Users cannot pay by PayPal. Only deposit payments are accepted.
- The minimum deposit amount is 20,000 JPY per transfer.

For full details, please see the Business User section on our cost page:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/business_user

Question 34

How can I become a Business User?

Accepted Answer

To become a Business User, please contact us through your message board after logging in. We will send you the details.

In general, you will need to make a bank wire transfer of at least 20,000 JPY. Once we receive your funds, we will add the amount to your deposit and upgrade your account to Business User status.

Question 35

How long does it take for my transferred fund by Wise to be added to my deposit?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your TransferWise (Wise) deposit will be added within 1 to 3 business days, or sometimes even sooner.

Please note:
Delays may occur during public holidays, especially around New Year when TransferWise operations are limited.

Question 36

When can I receive my points from the point back campaign?

Accepted Answer

If your order is eligible for the point back campaign, points will be automatically added 4 days after your order is shipped from us.

You can check your earned points at the following link:
https://www.j-subculture.com/deposits/point_history

Question 37

Can I buy items from Japanese websites if I don’t live in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture helps international users buy from Japanese marketplaces even if the site doesn’t ship overseas or is only available in Japanese.

Question 38

What is a Japan proxy shopping service?

Accepted Answer

A proxy shopping service like J-Subculture buys items on your behalf from Japanese online stores, holds them in our warehouse, and ships them internationally.

Question 39

Do I need to understand Japanese to use J-Subculture?

Accepted Answer

No. You can search for items and place orders in English. We handle all communication with Japanese sellers and translate when needed.

Question 40

Can I check the total cost before I buy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before placing an order or bid, you can view the estimated total including the item price, domestic delivery fee, and handling fee.
The international shipping fee will be provided after your item arrives at our warehouse.

Question 41

Is it safe to buy used items from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer optional services to ensure peace of mind, such as communication with the seller and protection plans for safe shipping. These help you buy used items from Japan with greater confidence.

Question 42

How much does your service cost?

Accepted Answer

Our service fees are among the lowest in the industry. We only charge the following: - Handling Fee: 250 JPY per transaction - Protection Plan: 100–600 JPY per item (optional) Additional benefits include: - Free packing & handling (no extra charge for basic packing) - Free domestic shipping for up to 5 items per package - Highly competitive currency exchange rates You can view a full cost breakdown on our cost overview page.

Question 43

How long can you store my items?

Accepted Answer

We provide up to 45 days of free storage after your items arrive at our warehouse. You can request international shipping anytime within that period.

Question 44

Can I use J-Subculture for reselling or bulk buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Business User program includes higher limits, lower fees, invoice flexibility, and support for bulk orders with spreadsheet uploads.

Question 45

Can I buy from Japanese online stores if I live overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With J-Subculture's proxy shopping service, you can order from any Japanese website—even if the seller doesn't ship internationally.

Question 46

How can I buy items from websites that don't ship outside Japan?

Accepted Answer

You can use J-Subculture's proxy shopping service. We purchase the item on your behalf and ship it safely to your country—even if the original seller doesn’t offer international shipping.

Question 47

Is it possible to buy limited-edition or Japan-only products from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture helps international customers purchase exclusive or Japan-only items and ships them worldwide. Even if the item is not available outside Japan, we can buy and forward it to you.

Question 48

Can I pre-order Japanese products before they’re released?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture accepts pre-order requests and will place the order for you once the item becomes available in Japan. We then ship it to your country as soon as it arrives at our warehouse.

Question 49

Can I communicate with Japanese sellers if I don’t speak Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture will contact the seller on your behalf and provide you with updates in English. You don't need to speak Japanese — we handle all communication for you.

Question 50

Is it safe to use a proxy service for buying from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. J-Subculture has served thousands of international customers with secure payment and reliable delivery.

Question 51

Do I need a Japanese address to buy from Japanese websites?

Accepted Answer

No. Use our service to place your order—we provide the Japanese address and take care of everything.

Question 52

Can I use your service to search Japanese sites without knowing Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our site allows you to search in English, and we’ll help you navigate the purchase process.

Question 53

What is a proxy shopping service, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

J-Subculture is a proxy shopping service that helps you buy products from Japan—even if the seller doesn't ship internationally.
You simply tell us what you want, and we purchase the item for you, receive it at our warehouse in Japan, and ship it safely to your country.

Question 54

Can I buy from Japanese stores even if I don’t live in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture allows you to buy from almost any Japanese online store, even if they don’t offer international shipping. We purchase and forward the item to your country.

Question 55

How do I pay for Japanese products from overseas?

Accepted Answer

With J-Subculture, you can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Wise, Stripe, or international bank transfers. We support various global payment methods for your convenience.

Question 56

Can I use J-Subculture to buy used items from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. J-Subculture specializes in secondhand Japanese goods, including collectibles, fashion, cameras, and more. We inspect items and offer photo reports for your peace of mind.

Question 57

Do I need a Japanese address to order from Japan?

Accepted Answer

No. J-Subculture provides a domestic Japanese address for your orders. We receive the item and ship it internationally to your location.

Question 58

Can I buy Japanese-exclusive products like anime goods or trading cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture helps you get Japan-only items, including rare anime figures, cards, and merchandise that are not available overseas.

Question 59

Can I request price negotiation on flea market items like Mercari?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture can negotiate prices on your behalf for items on Mercari and similar flea market platforms, depending on the seller.

Question 60

What makes J-Subculture different from other proxy shopping services?

Accepted Answer

J-Subculture offers a more complete and flexible proxy shopping experience with features designed for international buyers:

1. Peace of Mind Before You Buy
- See total costs before placing an order
- Search Japanese stores without knowing Japanese
- Optional item condition photo reports
- Domestic shipping protection plans
- Price negotiation available on flea market items (e.g., Mercari)

2. Industry-Leading Low Fees
- One of the lowest service fees in the industry
- Bulk-buy discounts
- Free domestic shipping for up to 5 items per package
- Best exchange rates and low payment processing fees
- Transparent international shipping rates (fuel surcharge included)
- Discounted UPS shipping for some Asian regions

3. Easy & Flexible Payments
- Supports PayPal, credit cards, Wise, bank transfer, and more
- Real-time deposit top-ups
- Domestic transfers supported in select countries

4. Smart Shipping Options
- Choose your preferred shipping carrier and compare rates
- Professional packing and real-time warehouse tracking
- Combine items from different orders into one shipment
- Free 45-day warehouse storage (longest in the industry)
- Auto-pack & ship feature when items accumulate

5. Multiple Ways to Buy
- Auction sniping (last 2 minutes)
- Instant buys on Mercari, Rakuma, and more
- Real-time bidding on JDirectItems Auctions
- We handle restricted items (500 JPY add-on)
- Accepts pre-orders and supports all major Japanese e-commerce sites

6. For Business Users & Resellers
- B2B support and reseller tools
- Upload item lists via spreadsheet
- Invoice customization available
- Pay via deposit for larger orders

7. Reliable Support, 365 Days a Year
- Our team is here every day to help you in English.

Question 61

Can I buy from multiple Japanese sites at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can shop from several stores, and J-Subculture can combine your packages into one shipment to save on international shipping fees.

Question 62

Is J-Subculture safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. J-Subculture has over a decade of experience, trusted by customers worldwide. We handle your purchases, payments, and shipping with full transparency and care.

Question 63

Can I shop on Japanese websites even if I don’t understand Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With J-Subculture, you can search Japanese marketplaces even if you don't speak Japanese.
Our system uses AI to convert your native language into effective Japanese search keywords.
Once you submit a purchase request, J-Subculture handles all communication and ordering on your behalf—no Japanese required.

Question 64

I found something on a Japanese website. Can you buy it for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Just send us the product link using our Easy Order Form:
https://www.j-subculture.com/pages/easy_order

J-Subculture will purchase the item on your behalf and ship it to your country safely. No Japanese language skills required.

J-Subculture FAQs

How do I bid on JDirectItems Auction?

Are there items that can't be shipped internationally?

What’s the difference between a real-time bid and a snipe bid?

Which shops can J-Subculture purchase from?

What’s the fee breakdown for the proxy shopping service?

Can I cancel the order?

How can I get a refund of my remaining deposit?

Can I pay for an order using both deposit and Stripe (credit card)?

What payment methods are available?

Why hasn't my rank been updated?

What’s the difference between a General User and a Business User?

How can I become a Business User?

Others

When can I receive my points from the point back campaign?

If your order is eligible for the point back campaign, points will be automatica...

When can I receive my points from the point back campaign?

Can I buy items from Japanese websites if I don’t live in Japan?

What is a Japan proxy shopping service?

Do I need to understand Japanese to use J-Subculture?

When will my order be shipped to me?

Can I combine auction items and proxy shopping items in one shipment?

Is there a consolidation fee for shipping multiple orders together?

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J-Subculture FAQs

Others When can I receive my points from the point back campaign? If your order is eligible for the point back campaign, points will be automatica...

Find the Items You'd Like to Buy

Others

When can I receive my points from the point back campaign?

If your order is eligible for the point back campaign, points will be automatica...